Apparatus for supporting an infant

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for soothing an infant, including: a torso support for supporting the torso of an infant in a prone position, the torso support being at an incline to a horizontal plane and having a crotch support provided at a lower end; and securing means for securing the infant to the apparatus, wherein the torso support is shaped to allow the legs of the infant to hang freely from either side of the torso support, and to support the infant&#39;s arms.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for supporting infants, particularly for soothing crying infants.

BACKGROUND

The crying of infants can be a distressing experience for parents and caregivers, particularly inexperienced parents and caregivers. In the case of excessive crying, often termed “colic”, parents may spend the first year of the child's life waking up to attend to the needs of the infant, leading to sleep deprivation which is understood to increase the risk of depression and anxiety in primary caregivers.

In particular, excessive crying can lead to intense fatigue, relationship stress, decreased job performance and reduced gratification, isolation from friends and family, inconsolable crying, and personal insecurities. It is important that all parents and caregivers be provided with tools to sooth an infant that cries excessively, particularly as it is estimated that up to 45% of all new moms suffer from PPD (Post-Partum Depression). Excessive crying has previously led to distressed caregivers harming infants, with many cases of SBS (shaken baby syndrome) occurring worldwide every year.

Multiple techniques for soothing infants exist and are generally based on principles including swaddling, gentle swinging and placing the infant on its side or stomach. In one example, a simple and popular technique referred to as “the hold” combines some of these principles, in which an infant is held by an adult in front of the adult's body. One hand of the adult supports the infant's torso region with the palm and the chin of the infant is supported by the thumb and fingers of the same hand. The arms of the infant are crossed in front of the chest and also held in place by the palm of the adult. The other hand is used to support and gently shake the infant's bottom with the infant's legs hanging either side of the hand, while both hands are used to also gently bounce or sway the infant's entire body.

This technique, while reportedly very successful, can become excessively tiring for the adult holding the infant, as it is held away from the body and the technique may need to be performed for an extended period of time or many times within a day. This is particularly problematic as the infant grows in size and strength so that it is difficult to maintain the hold effectively.

The described embodiments of the present invention have been developed with these problems in mind and seek to provide an apparatus for supporting an infant that quickly stops crying and relieves the physical demands placed on the person holding the infant.

In addition to quickly stopping an infant from crying, other advantages of embodiments of the present invention can include providing a convenient support to allow a caregiver opportunity to perform an extra task like preparing food (an extra pair of hands), preventing acid reflux, relieving wind, allowing airways to relax, preventing startling and reducing flat head syndrome. Embodiments of the invention can also allow the infant to engage with the environment around it. For example, the mother or father can be in front of the infant while it is secured in the device, which provides a further element of soothing for the infant. In some embodiments, an entertainment bar or equivalent structure can be included in the apparatus, having toys or other amusements in view of the infant.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for soothing an infant, comprising: a torso support for supporting the torso of an infant in a prone position, the torso support being at an incline to a horizontal plane and having a crotch support provided at a lower end; and securing means for securing the infant to the apparatus, wherein the torso support is shaped to allow the legs of the infant to hang freely from either side of the torso support, and to support the infant's arms.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for soothing an infant, comprising:

-   -   a torso support for supporting the torso of an infant in a prone         position, the torso support being at an incline to a horizontal         planar member and having a crotch support provided at a lower         end and a head support provided at an upper end; and     -   lateral constraining portions which are movable between an         extended position for placing or removing the infant and a         retracted position for substantially embracing a shoulder region         of the infant once placed and containing the arms of the infant         within the apparatus,     -   wherein the torso support is shaped to allow the legs of the         infant to hang freely from either side of the torso support.

There is also disclosed herein an apparatus for soothing an infant comprising a sling, the sling being shaped to perform the functions of:

-   -   a torso support for supporting the torso of an infant in a prone         position, the torso support being at an incline to a horizontal         plane and having a crotch support provided at a lower end and         being shaped to allow the legs of the infant to hang freely from         either side of the torso support; and     -   lateral constraining portions which are movable between an         extended position for placing or removing the infant and a         retracted position for containing the arms of the infant within         the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more easily understood, an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1: is a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for supporting an infant, in conjunction with a mounting element for supporting the apparatus;

FIG. 2: is a front perspective view of the apparatus and mounting element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3: is a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for supporting an infant, in conjunction with a mounting element for supporting the apparatus;

FIG. 4: is a front perspective view of the apparatus and mounting element of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5: is a top view of the apparatus and mounting element of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6: is a rear perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatus for supporting an infant, in conjunction with a mounting element for supporting the apparatus;

FIG. 7: is a front perspective view of the apparatus and mounting element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8: is an exploded rear perspective view of the apparatus and mounting element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9: is a side view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for supporting an infant, in conjunction with a mounting element for supporting the apparatus;

FIG. 10: is an exploded rear perspective view of the apparatus and mounting element of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11: is a top view of the apparatus and mounting element of FIG. 9 including a harness for securing the infant to the apparatus;

FIG. 12: is another top view of the apparatus and mounting element of FIG. 9 with the harness removed;

FIG. 13: is a close end view of a slider for mounting the harness to the apparatus;

FIG. 14: is a close plan view of the slider of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15: is a side view of the apparatus and mounting element of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16: is a side view of an apparatus for supporting an infant, the apparatus being attached to an existing structure; and

FIG. 17: is a front view of the attached apparatus of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 10 is configured for supporting an infant. The apparatus 10 has a torso support 1, which may take the form of a contoured bed on which the infant is placed in a prone position. The torso support 1 is provided at an incline for the infant to be in a position that is sufficiently upright to allow the infant to react with its environment. However, preferably the incline is sufficiently low that a comforting pressure is exerted on the chest and belly region of the infant by the action of gravity and the resistance applied by the contoured bed. The angle of incline may be within the range of 10 to 45 degrees and is preferably 10 degrees. The angle of inclination may be adjustable, which can be desirable for infants suffering from reflux. At a lower end of the torso support 1, there is a crotch support 3 which prevents the infant from slipping backwards out of the apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this may take the form of a curved projection, the height of which extends beyond a vertical position of the bottom of the infant, such that the infant is securely held by the crotch support 3 and eliminating any risk of the infant slipping over the top of the projection. The crotch support 3 supports the bottom of the infant and allows the legs of the infant to hang by the sides of the torso support 1. The torso support 1 is correspondingly shaped to allow this free hanging of the legs of the infant.

As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 10 further comprises a head support 5 which supports a lower region of the head. In this embodiment, the head support 5 is a cushioned and contoured attachment which supports the chin of the infant. However, a person skilled in the art may envisage other forms of head supports, such as supports which operate by contact with a jaw of the infant or other parts of the head, particularly the lower half of the head. As shown in FIG. 2, the head support 5 may be adjustable along axis A so as to have an adjustable distance from the torso support 1 and may even be removed completely if required. This function can be performed by a simple button release mechanism 6 or other mechanisms known to the skilled person.

The apparatus 10 has lateral constraining portions 7 which serve the purpose of both securing the infant so that it does not tip backwards out of the apparatus 10 and of soothing the infant by mimicking a form of swaddling, a technique that is well known and practised. In use, the infant is preferably placed in the prone position with its arms crossed in front of its chest, though the infant may also have their arms extending along their sides or upwardly beside their head. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lateral constraining portions 7 may take the form of wings that hinge from the torso support 1 and move outwardly in direction B. The wing-shaped lateral constraining portions 7 can be opened outwards to allow placement or removal of the infant from the apparatus. Once the infant is placed, the lateral constraining portions 7 are closed inwards and have the effect of embracing or holding the infant almost like a pair of hands. As is clearly shown in FIG. 1, when closed, the lateral constraining portions 7 substantially cover and secure the back region of the infant.

The apparatus 10 may be supported above the floor by means of a mounting element 9. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting element 9 may be in the form of a stand having a base 11. In this particular embodiment, the base 11 is generally in the shape of an open ring which opens towards the rear of the apparatus and supports the weight of the infant. The torso support 1 is connected to the mounting element 9 by one or more joints 13 (FIG. 2 shows an example where two joints 13 are provided symmetrically at either side of the torso support 1). It will be appreciated that many other means of connecting the torso support 1 to the mounting element 9 are possible, and are further discussed in relation to other embodiments and shown in FIGS. 3 to 10. Optionally, the joint(s) 13 may be provided with a spring-loaded or motorised mechanism which allows for and/or provides gentle bouncing.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus 110 for supporting an infant. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of this embodiment showing that it comprises a torso support 101 and, at a lower end of the torso support 101, a crotch support 103 which takes the form of a projection in a similar form to that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The mounting element 109 for supporting this embodiment is in the general shape of four planar members bent at angles to one another and can be formed integrally of a single sheet of bent plywood. The mounting element 109 comprises a first planar member which is a substantially vertical planar member 108, a second planar member which is a horizontal planar member 111 in contact with the floor, a third planar member that is parallel to and generally in contact with the torso support 101 (this planar member will be referred to as the bed planar member 116) and a fourth planar member which is substantially vertical and provides a structure and support for the crotch support 103 (this planar member will be referred to as the projection planar member 104). The bed planar member 116 is adhered to the torso support 101 and the projection planar member 104 is adhered to the crotch support 103. As will be appreciated having regard to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bed planar member 116 and the projection planar member 104 may alternatively be themselves viewed as forming part of the torso support 101 and the crotch support 103 respectively. Lateral constraining supports 107 are provided at either side of the torso support 101 and can be retracted and extended by way of a spring locking mechanism, as shown in FIG. 5. Similar to the first embodiment, when closed, the lateral constraining supports 101 substantially cover the back area of the infant. This embodiment also includes a head support 105 which may be adjustable along axis D.

Preferably, since the mounting element 109 can be formed of a single sheet of bent plywood or other resilient material, the mounting element 109 inherently has properties allowing bouncing and/or rocking. This can be initiated for example by a rigid foot rocker 115, which can optionally be pulled out from the apparatus along axis C and withdrawn when not in use. In FIG. 3, the foot rocker 115 is shown as a rigid loop, though it may take other forms such as a pedal or hand grip.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of an apparatus 210 for supporting an infant. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the third embodiment and shows the torso support 201, crotch support 203 and head support 205. In this embodiment, the function of the lateral constraining portions is performed by a swaddling cover 207 which extends from the region of the crotch support 203 and is folded over the infant after it has been placed in the prone position on the torso support 201. The swaddling cover 207 is attached at the sides of the infant to the torso support 201, for example by Velcro. As will be appreciated, this attachment may be achieved by other means, such as buttons, zips or ties, provided that the means of attachment is sufficiently strong to ensure that the infant is securely held in the apparatus. The apparatus 210 can also be supported above the ground by a mounting element 209 comprising substantially vertical legs 208 extending from the torso support 201 to the floor and attaching to a horizontal base 211. A foot rocker 215 may be attached to the torso support 201 and extend towards the front of the apparatus. The foot rocker 215 comprises a pedal 216 which can be supplied with a rubber grooved surface for grip, and the horizontal base 211 may be supplied with a rubber grip 212 to prevent slipping of the apparatus against the floor, particularly when the foot rocker 215 is activated. Optionally, the apparatus 210 may include a cable 217 which attaches to the swaddle cover 207 in the crotch support region, for example as shown in FIG. 6 by hooking the cable 217 through holes provided in the swaddling cover 207. The other end of cable 217 is attached to the horizontal base 211, which may be provided with a motor which drives a pulling of the cable to provide constant rocking. The mounting element 209 includes a portion which could be a planar member or bars that are parallel to and connects to an underside of the torso support 201, such that it is exposed, as partially shown and indicated as item 218 in FIG. 6. Alternatively, this planar member or bars 218 may be buried within the fabric of the torso support 201.

FIG. 8 shows that components of the mounting element 209 can be disassembled into components, including vertical legs 208, foot rocker 215, pedal 216, horizontal base 211. The horizontal base 211 can further be disassembled into generally parallel legs 211 a and 211 b and a portion 211 c that is perpendicular to the parallel legs 211 a and 211 b. This construction of the mount element 209 advantageously allows it to be packed flat after disassembling.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of an apparatus 310 for supporting an infant. FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of the fourth embodiment and shows that the apparatus 310 comprises a torso support 301 and a crotch support 303 which takes the form of a curved projection similar to that of the first embodiment. The apparatus 310 of the fourth embodiment is configured to support an infant with its arms extended sidewardly, which can be effective for pacifying or burping the infant. The infant may also be placed on the apparatus 310 with their arms crossed or extending upwardly. As such, the torso support 301 includes lateral arm supports 323 for supporting the outstretched arms of the infant. In use, the infant is placed in the prone position with its chest against the torso support 301 and its arms extended and resting against respective lateral arm supports 323. Preferably, the infant's head is turned to one side and supported on a relatively thin and breathable head support, such as an open cell foam pillow. While not depicted, it is of course possible for the torso support 301 to include such a head support. The apparatus of this embodiment can also receive an infant with its arms crossed in front of its chest or in the “hands to the heart” position, which can be effective for addressing excessive crying. To this end, the torso support 301 is formed from a material which provides adequate cushioning that is sufficiently soft to receive the infant with its arms crossed in front of its chest, and also sufficiently firm such that the baby will not sink excessively when its arms are extended sidewardly. The foamed torso support 301 could be made from memory foam and can be secured to a rigid body 325 of the apparatus 310. A separate swaddle may be used to retain the infant's arms in a crossed position in front of its chest or in the “hands to the heart” position.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the apparatus 310 may be supported above the floor by a mounting element 309. In this particular embodiment, the mounting element 309 includes two splayed legs 327, each having an end 329 for attachment to the body 325 of the apparatus, and a ground-engaging end 331. Each leg 327 also includes a curved portion 333 configured to resiliently flex so as to rock and/or bounce the attached apparatus; a foot rocker 315 (including a lower portion 315 a and an upper portion 315 b) secured to the legs 308 is operable to effect flexing of the legs and thus rocking and/or bouncing of the apparatus.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show top and side views respectively of the apparatus 310 of the fourth embodiment, wherein a harness 335 comprising shoulder straps 337 is provided to releasably secure the infant to the torso support 301. FIG. 13 illustrates the apparatus 310 with the harness 335 removed. The straps 337 are securable to the head support end of the apparatus body 325 and are configured to strap over the back of the infant and attach to a centrally disposed securement 350. Waist straps 339 also extend from the apparatus body 325 to wrap around a waist of the infant and attach to the securement 350. Finally, a crotch strap 341 is provided to secure the crotch area of the infant, the crotch strap also meeting the securement 350. In the depicted embodiment, straps 337, 339 and 341 are securable together behind the infant to secure the infant to the body 325. This may be performed with buckles, Velcro or other suitable means. It will be appreciated that the harness may take many other forms. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the should straps 337 may cross over the infant's shoulders.

It is envisaged that the length of the straps 337, 339, 341 used to constrain the infant are adjustable so as to fit snugly over infants of different sizes. The snug fit of the straps across the infant's body can also soothe the infant by mimicking a form of swaddling. To provide adjustability, a forward portion of the harness 335 is movable forwardly and rearward along the torso support 301. This is achieved by providing piping 302 on the torso support, along which a slider 338, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, can move. The slider 338 is coupled to the forward portion of the harness so that moving the slider along the piping varies the position of the forward portion of the harness on the torso support 301. The slider 338 is preferably of a locking clamshell design with a graspable tab 340 engagable by a user and an openable end 342 that is operable to slidingly engage the piping to allow the slider 338 to engage and disengage from the piping. The piping 302 extends around the torso support 301 to provide two tracks along which the slider can move to enable the positioning of the forward portion of the harness to be varied. Preferably, a rearward portion of the harness proximal to the crotch support is fixed to the torso support 301.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show further embodiments of the apparatus, in which an attachment 219 is provided for attachment of the apparatus to existing structures 221 such as seats, bouncers, rockers or mounts, including the device shown. The attachment could be formed of a hard plastic bracket 219, as shown, though other attachment options are possible, such as by strapping or harnessing the apparatus to the body of the existing structures 221. In such embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide a layer of polystyrene foam or material of similar properties to the underside of the torso support 201, thereby providing a softer buffer between the infant and the attachment 219 and/or to distribute the weight of the infant over the attachment 219 to avoid uncomfortable concentrations of pressure applied against parts of the body of the infant. FIGS. 16 and 17 show a particular embodiment of the apparatus attached to an existing structure 221, namely, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. However, it will be appreciated that other embodiments will similarly be appropriate for use with an attachment 219 to an existing structure 221, including those shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, provided that the torso support (including crotch support and head support) and the lateral constraining portions are constructed separately from—and are detachable from—any mounting element to which they may be attached.

The placement and positioning of infants in embodiments of the present invention can have other benefits, including reducing acid reflux, relieving wind, relaxing the airways, reducing the likelihood of flat head syndrome and building upper body strength. Supporting the infant in the apparatus also frees up one's hands which can be used to further comfort and sooth the infant.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

For example, the general functions of the individual components of the apparatuses shown in earlier figures could be performed by a single sling. The sling would need to be made of a material that is sufficiently strong to secure and suspend an infant above the ground, and that can be easily flexed to allow placement and removal of the infant but when the infant is placed and so that, the weight of the infant pulls the sling material taut, such that it exerts a comforting pressure on the chest and belly region of the infant and also constrains the arms of the infant. Such embodiments could also allow the legs of the infant to hang freely, which may achieved by holes provided in the sling. In such an embodiment, the sling could be hung from a mounting element having a curved, overhanging portion formed by two parallel frame poles formed of resilient material. The frame poles could be held together by attachment to either side of the sling which is hung between them. However, other constructions may be possible, for example having a unitary planar member of resilient material bent into the required form. In such an embodiment, the two sides of the sling could hang from a central region of the overhanging part of the planar member or be hung across the upper surface of the planar member. The mounting element could also comprise a horizontal base portion. There may be a further portion extending upward from the front end of the horizontal base portion. In an embodiment comprising two parallel frame poles, the frame poles can be connected by a bar serving to maintain the structure of the overall mount and additionally can support objects such as toys for entertainment of the infant. In use, the infant may be first swaddled in a swaddling insert before being placed in the sling. The swaddling insert may be a pre-formed insert which can be pulled over the body of an infant or it may be simply a blanket which can be wrapped in a standard swaddling manner.

Furthermore, the above embodiments may be fitted with many additional features, such as those providing vibrations, white noise and/or automatic swaying.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 

1-18. (canceled)
 19. An apparatus for soothing an infant, comprising: a torso support for supporting the torso of an infant in a prone position, the torso support being at an incline to a horizontal plane and having a crotch support provided at a lower end; and securing means for securing the infant to the apparatus, wherein the torso support is shaped to allow the legs of the infant to hang freely from either side of the torso support, and shaped to support the infant in a position with their arms crossed in front of their chest, the torso support also being cushioned to receive the infant's arms in the crossed position.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the torso support is formed of a cushioned material that is sufficiently firm such that a baby will not sink excessively when its arms are extended sidewardly.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the torso support includes a head support formed of a breathable material.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the securing means includes a harness for strapping the infant to the torso support.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein a rearward part of the harness is secured to the torso support near the crotch support and a forward part of the harness is adjustably secured to a forward part of the torso support at a location which is movable forwardly and rearwardly along the torso support.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein a forward part of the harness is provided with a locking slider adapted to selectively move along piping formed on the torso support.
 25. The apparatus according to claim 19, in conjunction with a mounting element for supporting or suspending the apparatus above the ground, the mounting element being formed of a resilient material to allow a rocking or bouncing action of the apparatus.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the apparatus and/or the mounting element is provided with at least one activating member for manually activating rocking or bouncing.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein one of the at least one activating members comprises a foot pedal.
 28. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the apparatus is provided with a motor for activating rocking or bouncing.
 29. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the crotch support is formed as an upwardly projecting portion from the lower end of the torso support.
 30. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the securing means is in the form of a harness extending from the lower end of the torso support and substantially covers the back of the infant, the harness having sides which are securable to corresponding sides of the torso support.
 31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the sides of the harness are secured to the corresponding sides of the torso support by Velcro® hook and loop fastener material.
 32. An apparatus for soothing an infant, comprising: a torso support for supporting the torso of an infant in a prone position, the torso support being at an incline to a horizontal plane and having a crotch support provided at a lower end and a head support provided at an upper end; and lateral constraining portions which are movable between an extended position for placing or removing the infant and a retracted position for substantially embracing a shoulder region of the infant once placed and containing the arms of the infant within the apparatus, wherein the torso support is shaped to allow the legs of the infant to hang freely from either side of the torso support, and shaped to support the infant in a position with their arms crossed in front of their chest.
 33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the lateral constraining portions are in the form of wings that attach to either side of the torso support and are moved between the extended position and the retracted position by means of hinges.
 34. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the lateral constraining portions are in the form of wings that attach to either side of the torso support and are moved between the extended position and the retracted position by means of a spring-loaded and locking mechanism.
 35. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the head support is adjustable.
 36. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a bar to which objects can be attached for entertaining or distracting the infant, the bar being suspended in front of the torso support.
 37. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising an attachment for attaching the apparatus to an existing structure.
 38. A method of soothing an infant, including the steps of: providing an apparatus having a torso support for supporting the torso of an infant in a prone position and securing means for securing the infant to the apparatus, the torso support being at an incline to a horizontal plane and having a crotch support provided at a lower end, the torso support being shaped to allow the legs of the infant to hang freely from either side of the torso support and shaped to support the infant in a position with their arms crossed in front of their chest, the torso support also being cushioned to receive the infant's arms in the crossed position; and positioning an infant on the support in a prone position with their arms crossed in front of their chest. 